The most famous of the Emirates, Dubai offers a variety of desert experiences perfect for anyone’s tastes.

For those short on time, head into the desert on our Dune Dinner Safari. Leaving the skyscrapers in the rearview mirror, head out on a 4WD dune-bashing adventure for an adrenaline-pumping journey deep into the Dubai desert. Finish the evening with a traditional Bedouin camp dinner and a show. With this tour a must-do for many of our consultants on their own Dubai holidays, this is a great way to get a taster of the desert.

If you’re more of an early riser, consider taking to the skies on a scenic hot air balloon flight. Soar above the sand as the sun rises over the Hajjar Mountains and surrounding desert before indulging in a delicious breakfast at a desert oasis.

For those looking for a longer experience, perhaps combine a stay on the beach with a few nights in the desert. We love the fabulous Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, located just an hour away from the bustle of the city inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Home to native species such as the Arabian oryx, explore at your own pace with guided walks, horse riding and falconry. Children will love the Kids Club while grown ups can enjoy the luxurious spa facilities. Watch the sun dip below the horizon from the rooftop lounge and don’t miss a dinner in Al Hadheerah. With fire eaters and belly dancers, it’s sure to be a night to remember.

With over 80% of Abu Dhabi being covered by desert, it’s no wonder they have such a variety of experiences on offer. Perhaps take the Dune Dinner Safari, similar to the experience in Dubai, which includes a barbecue buffet dinner and exciting dune-bashing.

Located less than three hours from Abu Dhabi’s international hub, Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara rises like a fortress out of the dunes of one of the world’s largest sand deserts. This hotel is perfect for those looking for a true sense of seclusion in the fabled Empty Quarter. Spend a couple of nights here enjoying 4WD excursions, archery and well-deserved spa treatments. This is easily added into any Abu Dhabi itinerary.

On the outskirts of this small emirate lies the Al Wadi Desert, home of the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah. An excellent choice for those looking for something different, the resort is easy to reach within an hour of Dubai’s international airport. Here, every villa benefits from its own private pool and living area with views across the desert. This resort puts the desert at the heart of everything they do, including private dune dining, star lit meditation inspired by the Bedouin and desert biking. In the Nature Reserve, learn about the wildlife from the area.

With great flight options travelling through Muscat, there’s a great opportunity to combine a longer itinerary with a stopover in Oman to explore the sights it has to offer.

A three hour road transfer from the capital, with a 4WD arrival into camp, Magic Camps Wahiba Sands immerses you immediately in the serene landscape. We love its Bedouin-influenced focus on leaving no trace behind. This experience takes you completely off the grid in unique and luxurious tented accommodation.

An adventure into the desert can be easily combined into any Oman itinerary. Take a look at our Muscat, Jebel Akhdar and Desert holiday. If you don’t have time for an extended stay, try our Private Wahiba Wilderness Experience as part of a Muscat beach break.

Most of our Jordan holidays include a stay in a Bedouin desert camp, as do our group touring partners. A movie star in its own right, awe-inspiring Wadi Rum offers rolling dunes and dramatic sandstone outcrops and has appeared in films like Lawrence of Arabia and Dune.

Memories Aicha Camp is popular for its location at the heart of Wadi Rum, nestled at the foot of mountains and with the dining area carefully built around the exposed red rock face. Here, experience a sunset desert safari and watch the velvet night sky come alive with constellations and meteor showers. Relax in Panoramic Tents which boast views of the cliffs and sky, for stargazing in ultimate privacy.

To fully experience the vast expanse of the desert, perhaps opt for a hot air balloon experience. Float above this otherworldly landscape and watch the sun rise above the dunes.

Morocco is home to two very different deserts. Located just an hour from Marrakech and easily connected to Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains by private road transfer lies the Agafay Desert. With stone dunes instead of sand, the landscapes here are rugged and lunar, with snow-capped mountains on the horizon. Here, experience an authentic Berber camp, such as The White Camel, which blends traditional cultural experiences with comfortable accommodation.

Perhaps opt to visit the vast Sahara Desert with one of our group touring partners such as Intrepid. Traverse mountain ranges and verdant farmlands on the journey to this remote destination.